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What is BikeSafe?

BikeSafe was created to teach motorcyclists the finer arts of staying alive.

Offered and run by over 40 individual police forces within the U.K., BikeSafe is all about riders learning from some of the best bikers out there, the police motorcyclists. These are the guys that ride for a living, operating in some of the most demanding conditions. Their training is second to none and one of their highest priorities is to do their job in the safest way possible.

And if you want some of their tips on keeping out of trouble, then have a look at http://www.bikesafe.co.uk/.

As it's arranged on a police force basis throughout the U.K., all you have to do is choose your local force and get in touch.

One of the most active of BikeSafe initiatives is run by the Metropolitan police force of London. They have helped guide over 10,000 riders to a better rider awareness and in doing so, have helped reduce motorcycle casualties in the capital by around 25%. Such is the success of the courses, that over 60% of riders opt to take further training courses.

BikeSafe London are held in London at the Ace Café and at West Wickham, Kent, at the Metropolitan Police Sports Club.

Moped and scooter riders, as well as motorcyclists, are invited to join and get an assessment of their current skill level, as well as hearing how to improve their riding styles. Subjects covered include how to properly control a motorcycle, what causes most collisions and overall bike security.

When assessing a riders' ability, the police officers will consider road positioning, the use of gears and brakes (to see how efficiently the bike is being used) and hazard perception. As with all road users, the ability to spot hazards and quickly interpretate how they will play out in terms of danger for the user, is one of the key factors in staying out of trouble. The courses typically include an hour's ride when the police will be observing the motorcyclists in all manner of road situations. A full de-brief is then given after the ride.

The courses are informal and are run both during the week and at weekends.

So, if you want to try and stay alive on the roads, think about taking a BifeSafe course. It could make all the difference.

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